Juvenile crimes can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life, leaving them with a criminal record that could affect their prospects. However, what if there was an alternative option that could provide a second chance to your child? Deferred disposition can help your child take responsibility for their actions, make amends and avoid a criminal record. Under deferred disposition, a juvenile offender agrees to meet certain requirements, such as community service, counseling or restitution. If the juvenile successfully completes the program, the charges against them are dismissed, and the case is closed without a formal finding of guilt. This ultimately means:
Your child can avoid a criminal record
A criminal record can have long-lasting consequences on a young person’s life. It can limit their future employment opportunities, hinder their ability to obtain housing and even prevent them from getting into college or pursuing certain careers. Fortunately, deferred disposition can help a juvenile offender avoid a criminal record.When a juvenile offender successfully completes the program, the charges against them are dismissed, and the case is closed without a formal finding of guilt. This means that the juvenile’s record remains clean, and they can move forward without the stigma of a criminal record.
Your child can make amends
Deferred disposition provides juvenile offenders with a second chance to make things right. It allows them to take responsibility for their actions and make amends without facing harsh consequences. This can be especially important for young people who may have made a mistake due to their lack of experience, judgment or peer pressure.
Your child may get the help they need
Deferred disposition often includes counseling and other rehabilitative services, which can help the juvenile address underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. These services include anger management, substance abuse treatment, family counseling or vocational training. By addressing these underlying issues, juvenile offenders can learn new skills, develop healthy coping mechanisms and make positive life changes. Deferred disposition is an alternative to traditional juvenile justice methods that can provide a second chance to your child. First, however, consider seeking legal guidance to achieve the best possible outcome.
